About this role
Position Summary
This is a visitor services and backcountry individual placement based at the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park. The goal of the position will be to develop knowledge and practical skills in backcountry visitor use management. The participant will be trained in backcountry ranger skills (4WD operation, backcountry camping, leave-no-trace principles, basic interpretation, and visitor services) and backcountry permit system operations. This training will result in the participant engaging in backcountry permit and information services at the Hans Flat Ranger Station, backcountry patrols, and leading interpretive hikes.
Location
Moab, UT
Schedule
March 8, 2026 - November 29, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Staff the Hans Flat Ranger Station information desk: provide information to visitors, issue backcountry permits, answer phone inquiries, and monitor radio traffic; Perform day patrols and lead interpretive hikes in the Horseshoe Canyon Unit of Canyonlands NP; Perform Preventative Search and Rescue patrols at the Horseshoe Canyon Trailhead; Perform multi-day backcountry patrols in the Maze District of Canyonlands NP.
Marginal Duties
Support the Horseshoe Canyon Volunteer program by ferrying supplies to the Horseshoe Canyon Unit of Canyonlands NP; Assist with maintenance, vehicle, and facility upkeep at the Hans Flat Ranger Station; Assist with other collateral duties and projects in support of the Maze Ranger Operation.
Required Qualifications
The participant must have a valid driver’s license and must be comfortable sleeping and working outside for up to several days at a time. Duties can be strenuous: carrying a 30+ pound backpack over rough and sandy terrain in both cold and hot weather, loading and unloading materials during supply runs to town, and assisting with facility maintenance tasks such as weeding, trail work, or minor road repairs. A high-clearance vehicle is required to reach the ranger station and housing area from the nearest highway.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
The participant should be comfortable living in an extremely remote location with no local services (nearest grocery store, gas station, and services are 2+ hours away) and limited internet access. The ability to integrate into a small community of peers and coworkers and be a productive and positive member of that community is essential. The participant will also need to be willing and prepared to train on 4WD operation and backcountry safety/living skills and perform solo, backcountry patrols up to seven days in length (following proper training) with minimal support.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing is a shared, potentially co-ed two-bedroom, two-bathroom, furnished apartment with private bedroom (full-sized bed) and bathroom for each participant. Basic kitchen dishware/cookware and utensils are provided. You should bring your own bedding, towels, toiletries, and other needed personal items. Washer/dryer and workout facilities are available on site.
Compensation
Living allowance - $600/week Housing, electricity, water, and propane provided at no charge.
Round-Trip Travel Allowance - $1,100
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
Advanced 4WD vehicle training, land navigation training, backcountry overnight patrol operations training.
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
Other facts
About Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
What you'll do
- The participant will staff the Hans Flat Ranger Station, providing information and issuing permits, while also performing patrols and leading interpretive hikes. Additional duties include supporting volunteer programs and assisting with facility maintenance.
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